Apparatus and method for detecting the absolute position of a steering column in which a magnetic sensing mechanism associated with the steering mechanism is utilized with a predetermined transmission ratio to obtain an exact steering wheel angle. The insert has two juxtaposed corners either of which may be oriented at the distal end of the body member to function as a cutting edge. The interconnecting assembly may be made up of a flexible member comprising a bend. The transmit and receive radio frequency modules provide the wireless communication between the base stations and end user devices.